Universal automated system for identifying, registering and verifying the existence, location and characteristics of electric and other power outlets by random users and for retrieval and utilization of such parametric data and outlets by all users

ABSTRACT

A system for registering power outlets to charge electrical and electronic devices includes a database for storing subscriber data relating to subscribers registered with the system and power outlet data relating to registered outlets. A server receives the power outlet data for a power outlet from the subscriber, registers the power outlet with a power outlet management system if the power outlet has not previously been registered and stores the power outlet data for the power outlets in the database. The server receives a search request for a power outlet from the subscriber. The search request includes location information defining an area of search for the power outlet. The server locates at least one power outlet within the area of search that is registered with the power outlet management system and provides a location of the at least one power outlet located within the area of search to the subscriber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/940,004, filed Nov. 25, 2019, entitled A UNIVERSAL AUTOMATED SYSTEMFOR IDENTIFYING, REGISTERING AND VERIFYING THE EXISTENCE, LOCATION ANDCHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRIC AND OTHER POWER OUTLETS BY RANDOM USERS ANDFOR RETRIEVAL AND UTILIZATION OF SUCH PARAMETRIC DATA AND OUTLETS BY ALLUSERS, this application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/477,669, filed Apr. 3, 2017, entitled AUTOMATEDSYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND PROVIDING A NETWORK OF CHARGING STATIONS, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to charging outlets for electrical andelectronic devices as well as outlets that deliver other forms ofenergy, and more particularly to a system and method for identifying,registering and verifying charging outlets for electrical and electronicdevices as well as outlets that deliver other forms of energy.

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of electrical and electronic devices particularlyportable and transportable ones that run on battery power or othermobile power sources are ever-increasing. When a user of an electricalor electronic device needs power there is no easy way to search onlinefor an available compatible power source. The user must currently searchfor an available outlet that they can access in their area and this canbe a hit and miss proposition at best, and the outlet may either be inuse or inoperable. A system for tracking and identifying power outletsfor users of electrical and electronic devices in order to enable themto locate and connect to the outlet for the purpose of charging theirdevices would be greatly beneficial.

SUMMARY

The present invention, as disclosed and described herein, comprises inone embodiment, a system for registering power outlets that may be usedto charge electrical and electronic devices which includes a databasefor storing subscriber data relating to subscribers registered with thesystem and outlet data relating to registered outlets that have beenlocated by a subscriber. A server provides a power outlet managementsystem. The server is configured to receive the outlet data for a poweroutlet from a reporting entity, register the power outlet with the poweroutlet management system if the power outlet has not previously beenregistered and store the outlet data for the power outlet(s) in thedatabase. The server is further configured to receive a search requestfor a useable power outlet from a subscriber. The search requestincludes location information defining an area of search for the useablepower outlet. The server locates at least one power outlet within thearea of search that is registered with the power outlet managementsystem and provides a location of the at least one power outlet locatedwithin the area of search to the subscriber. A network interfaceconnects the server to a network for receiving the outlet data and thesearch request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingDrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a generic system for managing and reserving chargingstations;

FIG. 2 illustrates an electric vehicle charging management system;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for using the electricvehicle charging management system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a central controller of an electric vehiclecharging management system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a charging unit of an electricvehicle charging management system;

FIG. 6 illustrates an AC coupled charging unit;

FIG. 7 illustrates a DC coupled charging unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates an inductively coupled charging unit;

FIG. 9 illustrates a central management control system and itsinteraction with electric vehicle charging management system components;

FIG. 10 illustrates a medical/mobility device charging managementsystem;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a central management server of amedical/mobility device charging management system;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a user application of a medical/mobilitydevice charging management system;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a charging unit of a medical/mobilitydevice charging management system;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the process for generating areservation in the medical/mobility device charging management system;

FIG. 15 illustrates an individual user using the medical/mobility devicecharging management system during a particular trip;

FIG. 16 illustrates; a further configuration of the charging units;

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart for profile storage;

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart for switching based on source cost;

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart for generating alerts;

FIG. 20 illustrates an operating environment of a power outletmanagement system;

FIG. 21 illustrates a functional block diagram of a power outletapplication for installation on a mobile device;

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of a verification protocol forregistering a power outlet;

FIG. 23 illustrates a diagram of a system for providing registration ofand access to a power outlet using a power outlet management system;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the power outlet manager system;

FIG. 25 illustrates an interaction between a controlled power outlet andthe power outlet manager system;

FIG. 26 illustrates a summary of the functionalities provided by thepower outlet management system;

FIG. 27 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for generating a tripplan; and

FIG. 28 illustrates a flow diagram of the use of an established tripplan and utilizing reservations associated therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are usedherein to designate like elements throughout, the various views andembodiments of a universal automated system for identifying, registeringand verifying the existence, location and characteristics of electricand other power outlets by random users and for retrieval andutilization of such parametric data and outlets by all users areillustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described.The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instancesthe drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places forillustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the many possible applications and variations based on thefollowing examples of possible embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a generic representation of an electrical devicecharging management system 102. The system 102 includes a centralcontrol server 104 that is responsible for providing centralizedmanagement of the charging management system responsive to a variety ofsystem inputs. The central control server 104 manages a number ofcharging hubs 106 with which it communicates via a network 108 such asthe Internet. The charging hubs 106 include one or more charging portsthat enable an electrically powered device to be connected and charged.The central control server 104 stores a variety of information relatedto registered system users and their associated electrically powereddevices that are to be charged at the charging hubs 106. The informationcollected and stored can be used for reserving charging hubs 106,controlling the charging periods of the electrically powered deviceconnected to the charging hub 106 and for enabling payment of chargingservices provided by the charging hubs. The users of the system are ableto interact with the central control server 104 using a mobileapplication 110 that is stored upon a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, personal data assistants, etc. that belongsto the user and provides the ability to interconnect with the centralcontrol server 104 via the connecting network 108 such as the Internet.The mobile application 110 would be downloaded onto the userscommunication device, and the user would register with the centralcontrol server 104 enabling the user to make reservations and findinformation with respect to the variety of charging hubs 106 that are apart of the charging management system 102 or which may be owned byother vendors that are compatible with the system. In such cases thesystem may only provide management and accounting and payment processes.The mobile application 110 would also enable new vendors that offer theservices of charging units to register with the system.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , there is more particularly illustrated oneembodiment of a charging management system 202 for electric vehicles.The system 202 provides closed loop accounting of the electric vehiclecharging process starting from matching the electric vehicle to thecharger unit 206, reserving the charger unit, engaging the charger unit,measuring the electricity delivered from the charger unit and collectingand dispersing payment. The electric vehicle charging management system202 includes an electric vehicle charging control server 204 thatcontrols and manages all system operations enabling user devices to makereservations, connect with and control charging with a variety ofelectrical vehicle chargers 206. The control server 204 may furtherenable charging of electrical vehicles by appointment or charging byreservation of other types of electric devices. The charging managementand reservation system 202 could just as well be applied to non-electricpowered vehicles that utilize other types of fuel for power generationsuch as hydrogen fuel which requires recharging of hydrogen tanks andeven gasoline powered cars may benefit from a mechanism for reservinggasoline pumps in certain circumstances such as gasoline rationing whichoccurred in prior periods of energy crisis. The electric vehicle usersare able to interact with the system 202 using a mobile deviceapplication 208 installed, for example, on their smartphone. Asdiscussed before, interactions between the control server 204, chargingunits 206 and mobile device application 108 occur over a central network210 such as the Internet. A particular electrical vehicle charging unit206 can provide the chargers and appropriate connections for one or moretypes of electrical vehicles, such as golf carts, electric bikes(e-Bikes) electric motorized wheelchairs, electric shopping carts, etc.

The growing deployment of electric vehicles create a need for widespreadelectrical charging stations 206 that are conveniently and strategicallylocated at points of interest. The control server 204 enables a networkof charging stations 206 to be managed within a wireless/wired automatedenvironment enabling individuals and/or owners of specific brands ofelectrical vehicles to rent out their chargers 206 for chargingcompatible electric vehicles. For example, an owner of a Tesla can offerother Tesla drivers the use of their home/premises charging apparatusfor a designated fee. The management system 202 is able to match a userwith a particular charging station 206 by way of the mobile deviceapplication 208. The mobile device application 208 in addition tomatching users with charging stations 206 makes use of the centralmanagement control system server 204 via the network 210 to enable thedispensation of electricity to the electric vehicles, control variouselectricity-metering apparatus and provide for an automated reservation,billing and payment processing mechanism for payment of use of theelectrical vehicle chargers 206 to enable owners of the electricalvehicle chargers 206 to become a part of the charging management system202.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , there is illustrated a flow diagram describingthe use of an electric vehicle charging management system 202 asdiscussed with respect to FIG. 2 . Through the mobile device application208, a user of an electric vehicle request at step 302 a location of aelectric vehicle charger unit 206 that is compatible with their brand ofvehicle. The charging control server 204 matches the vehicle to one ormore appropriate vehicle chargers 206 at step 304 responsive to theposition of the vehicle and the type of charger required to charge thevehicle. Next, the availability of the located chargers 206 isdetermined at step 306 to determine which of the chargers is availablefor charging of the vehicle. The time availability may be based upon arequested time or a projected time based upon the user's travel plan.Upon confirmation of the availability of the charging units 206, theuser is to select one of the available charging units 206 and anappointment with the specific charging unit 206 is made by the chargingcontrol server 204, and the driver is notified of this appointmentthrough their mobile application 208. Alternatively, the user may electto allow the system to select one of the many available 206 chargerspursuant to preset user preferences or to a system provided artificialintelligence system (AIS) which makes the election for them. Part of theappointment process may involve a full or partial payment being made bythe drivers account subject to the charging functionalities of thecharging control server 204. The driver may then travel to thedesignated charging unit 206 to obtain the vehicle charge.

Upon arrival at the designated charging unit 206 the user is validatedand authorized to use the unit by mobile application 110, and thevehicle is connected at step 310 with the designated charger that hasbeen predetermined to be compatible with the particular electric vehiclebrand that needs charging. Based on published utility rates, the amountof electricity consumed during the charge process and the location ofthe charging unit 206, the charging control server 204 can determine theamount to be collected from the registered driver's credit card or otherregistered payment sources such as PayPal at step 312 to completepayment for the charging services. Determination of electricityconsumption can be facilitated by several means and mechanisms includingin-line metering within the charging circuit to the electric vehicle orfrom data generated by the electric vehicle which may be accessible viaBluetooth or other wireless transmissions. With the advent of smartmetering capability installed by utilities to monitor on premiseelectricity usage the electricity consumed via users using our systemsuch information may be transmitted to our system for usage accountingand billing. Alternatively, the charging profiles from the electricvehicle manufacturer could be automatically referenced to generate anestimate of the electricity consumption that can be billed to thedrivers charging accounts for collection.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a functional blockdiagram of the electric vehicle charging server 204. A charger interface400 enables communications between the charging server 204 and aplurality of charging units 206 for charging the at least one electricvehicle. An application interface 401 enables communications between thecentral personal mobility device charge controller 204 and a pluralityof charging applications enabling finding locations of at least one ofthe plurality of charging units 206 and making reservations with thecharging units. The charging control server 204 includes a chargingapparatus database 402 that includes all of the electrical vehiclecharging units 206 that have registered with the system for providingcharging locations for electric vehicles. The database 402 includesinformation such as number of charging ports and the types of electricvehicles for which the charging units 206 may be used. Databases withinthe charging controller server 204 comprise databases that provide datafor performing complex real-time matching of the location of an electricvehicle on the road and searching for a charging unit 206 to determinethe charging unit that is closest to the vehicle using the chargerlocator controller 404. More complex matching requests may incorporatedestination routing referencing so that the electric vehicle may selecta charger that is along the way to the electric vehicle's destination.The database 402 may also store information related to the registeredelectric vehicle such as the last time the electric vehicle was charged,the state of charge to enable the system to estimate the batteryexhaustion time and recommended charging locations that an electricvehicle could reach before running out of power. A charger locatorcontroller 404 determines charging units 206 that may possibly beutilized for charging the electrical vehicle based upon informationstored within the charging apparatus database 402 and vehicle positionand type information provided from the mobile device application 208 ofthe driver of the electric vehicle. In addition, a link 405 to anartificial intelligence system (AIS) 403 may be provided for the purposeof providing more sophisticated trip planning that incorporates variousbiometric data that may prompt more frequent stops for healthnecessities or prior user trip patterns. The AIS 403 may make decisionsregarding trip planning without requiring specific user input but byonly relying upon provided or monitored system information.

An appointment database 406 stores information for charging appointmentsthat are made by vehicle drivers with respect to particular chargingunits 206. The appointment database 406 indicates a charging unit 206and times that the charging unit is presently scheduled to be charging aparticular vehicle. An appointment controller 408 generates a listing ofpossible appointment times for a charging unit 206 to the mobile deviceapplication 208 responsive to a user request and receives and stores auser selection for a particular appointment time for a charging unit 206that a driver has selected.

A payment database 410 stores payment information for registered systemusers. The payment database 410 stores information such as credit carddata to enable payment for charging sessions or PayPal information toenable for charging session payment. The payment controller 412 controlsinteractions with the mobile device application 208, charginginformation within the charging control server 204 and the vendoraccounts for the charging unit 206, and enable transfer of funds from acharging vehicle user to a vendor responsible for the charging unit 206providing a charging session. Various payment schemes may be stored indatabase 410 such as the use of stored credit resulting from advancedeposits or some protocol for a system of membership debits and creditswhereby members may opt to accumulate credits by provide chargingservice to other registered members and are debited when they consumeelectricity at a registered charging unit 206.

The registered vehicle database 414 maintains information concerningregistered users with the system 102. Each registered user would haveinformation concerning their vehicle type enabling assistance inselection of charging units 206 appropriate for that vehicle type.Additionally, the database 414 would include information tying thevehicle to particular charging information and other user or vehiclerelevant information. The vehicle status controller 416 monitorsoperation of the charging operation by a charging unit 206 to which anelectric vehicle is connected. The charging status controller 416 canmonitor the links of a charge and monitor for conditions indicating thatceasing of the battery charge is necessary due to completion of chargingor problem issues requiring ceasing of battery charge.

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of the charging unit 206.Charging units 206 are available in three classes of performance, levelI and II are for installations where single phase AC power is available.Level III electronic charging units are required for quick charging ofelectronic vehicles. Level III charging units utilize three-phase ACpower which is usually only available at a business or commercialpremises. A typical level I or level II charger will currently fullycharge an electric vehicle in several hours depending on the EV'sbattery capacity and state of charge. The charging unit 206 will includea charge connector 502 for connecting one or more different types ofelectric vehicle to charging circuitry 504. The charging circuitry 504generates the charging voltage and current provided to the vehicle. Thecharge connector 502 can be a single or multiple vehicle connectiondepending upon the capabilities of the charging unit 206. The chargeconnector 502 may comprise, but is not limited to, NEMA 15, Tesla, NEMA50, J1772, SAE Combo, CHADeMO, NEMA 20, etc. connectors.

Charging circuitry 504 utilizes power from either the local power gridor a local stored power source, such as a battery or capacitance device,to generate a charging current that is output via the charge connector502 to the electric vehicle being charged. The charging circuitry 504can receive the charging power from either the electrical power grid viaan electric grid connection 506 or a local battery 508. The electricgrid connection 506 would comprise a standard power interface to thelocal power grid. A battery 508 would locally store electricity that wasprovided via some type of power generation interface 510 or from theelectric grid connection 506. The power generation interface 510 couldbe connected to a solar, wind or other type of power generation system.Alternatively, the system could switch between the alternative powergeneration interface 510 and the electric grid connection 506 based inone instance upon low tariff periods from the electricity grid. Thus,the charging unit 206 would connect to the electric grid during lowtariff times and utilize the alternative power generation interface 510during higher tariff times. This is more fully illustrated in FIG. 18 .The charging unit is connected to the power grid at step 1802 to providefirst charging energy to the connected electrical device. The chargingunit to an alternative electrical energy source network at step 1804 toprovide second charging energy to the connected personal mobilitydevice. A cost of the first charging energy and the second chargingenergy is determined at step 1806. The first charging energy and thesecond charging energy to the connected personal mobility device areswitched between at step 1808 responsive to the cost of the firstcharging energy and the second charging energy or some other criteria.

A network interface 512 provides for a wireless or wired connection tothe charging control server 204 to enable communications and operationsoccurring between the databases and controllers therein and the controlfunctionalities within the charging unit 206. The network interface 512may utilize powerline communications technologies and/or wirelesstechnologies such as Wi-Fi, 3G/4G/5G data services, GPSS and othermapping technologies. A payment unit 514 comprises an interface formanually entering user information or a credit card reader enabling thetaking of point of sale payment information from a driver that use thecharger to charge their electric vehicle. Payment may be taken via cash,check or credit card using the appropriate payment collection protocols,or even membership debits and credits.

Each of the system components are under control of an electricitycontrol and management unit 516 that is responsible for controlling allinter-charging unit operations and operations between the charging unit206 and the charging control server 204. The electricity control andmanagement unit 516 enables the dispensation of electricity, detects theamount of electricity consumed and transmits this information throughthe network 210 using mechanisms such as powerline communications,and/or Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G data networks to the central controller 204 forstorage within the various databases. The electricity control andmanagement module 516 includes current sensors or other energymonitoring devices on the AC lines connected to the charging vehicle tomeasure the level of charge being delivered and provide electronicclocks that may be used to measure the duration of electricitydispensation. Information collected, used and transmitted during andafter the matching process includes data on the electric vehicleconnector type, the charging units characteristics, local utilityelectricity rates, electric vehicle identification protocols,dispensation duration, as well as characteristics of the chargerbehavior which may affect maintenance of the charger, etc.Alternatively, a fixed amount of charge can be implemented in discreteblocks of time, for example 30-minute increments, to control theelectricity dispensation using a simple timer switch.

Biometric devices 520 may also be used for validating a user connectingwith the charging unit 206 and enabling initiation of the chargingprocess. The biometric devices 520 may comprise devices such asfingerprint scanners, voice recognition devices, retinal scanners, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 , there are illustrated components of thesystem for three different modes of coupling between the electricvehicle with a converter depending on the electric vehicle's onboardelectricity storage system. As shown in FIG. 6 , if the electric vehiclehas a built-in converter 602 to convert the incoming AC power from theutility power 604 into DC power, the charging station 606 only needs tooutput AC power with the appropriate connector plug 608 voltage tocharge the battery 610. If the electric vehicle requires DC power forcharging, the electric power provided from the charging station 706responsive to the utility power 704 comes from a DC power outputmechanism at the appropriate voltage from the connector plug 708. Theplug connection 708 provides the DC charging voltage directly to thebattery 710.

In addition to the directly coupled electric vehicle chargingconfigurations of FIGS. 6 and 7 , an inductive charging system may beused wherein the utility power 804 provided to the charging station 806is inductively coupled to a vehicle through an induction source 808 andvehicle receptor 810. An AC to DC conversion unit 812 within the vehicleconverts the AC power into a DC component for charging the battery 814.Note that all three charging situations of FIGS. 6-8 utilize a chargingstation including an electricity control and management system 516 thatprovides the necessary electrical power conversion and regulation asnecessary, turns the charging power on/off, measures the amount ofelectricity dispensed and performs other control functions such asmonitoring the charge data gathered from the vehicle during charging.Such data may be gathered wirelessly or via a connecting cable thatconnects the electric vehicle to the charging unit.

FIG. 9 illustrates the main components of the charging system of FIG. 2wherein the various components are wirelessly communicating with theelectric vehicle charging server 202 which is further illustrated as theCentral Management Control System (CMCS) 902. The CMCS 902 is the brainsof the system and maintains a database of components including theprofiles of the drivers and the charging units along with the locationsof the charging units. The CMCS 902 monitors each transaction from startto finish, records the time of charging, performs payment processing andcontinuously collects information from the network components. The CMCS902 wirelessly connects to different brands of electric vehicles 904,906 through the mobile application and with the payment processor 908 tocarry out payment for charging services. Further wireless connectionsmay be between the owners and operators of various electric chargingstations 910 at fixed locations or mobile electric charging stations 912that may actually rendezvous with stranded vehicles to provide chargingthrough mobile or transportable power storage systems. The mobilechargers 912 utilize portable storage devices or generators enabling themobile system to move its operations as desired and move the charger toseek revenue opportunities by transporting the stored energy to alocation that may have need of services, such as an electric vehiclerally, county fair, golf course or tournament where electric carts needcharging, etc, or wherever electricity might be needed. By couplingportable energy collection sources such as solar panels, a mobilecharger 912 could operate indefinitely away from a power grid. Thesemobile chargers 912 provide a roving charging station on a movingplatform such as a truck equipped with fossil fuel motorized electricgenerators or a bank of batteries that are either charged from thenormal grid outlet such as 110 V AC wall circuit and/or are continuouslycharged on the road via portable solar panels or energy collectionmechanism such as wind turbines or the vehicles' auxiliary electricpower output.

The electric vehicle network management and charging system 202 providesthe ability to match brand specific electronic vehicles with brandcompatible charging units and schedule an electric vehicle chargingsession. The system 202 also provides the means of matching and enablingnon-electric vehicle owners who buy third party charging units to becomeindependent operators operating on their own schedule to providecharging services. The system 202 will deliver the same transactionexperience to those using brand specific electric vehicles and chargingunits by scheduling the transaction, measuring/metering and dispensingthe electricity consumed, collecting and dispersing payment forconsumption, recording the incident and tracking the process. The system202 will provide for electronic recordkeeping and payment processing.Payment mechanisms are universally available from third partiesincluding the use of on-site magnetic card readers, smart chip cardreaders and even online Internet data entry through third-party portalsfor payment processing. Prepayment options are also available bypre-registering the electronic vehicles payment options which thenmerely require the completion of agreed-upon payment protocols.

In another embodiment, the system may utilize modules of removablebatteries wherein electric vehicle may simply exchange charge depletedbatteries for a set of fully charged batteries, and thus eliminate thewaiting time associated with charging the electric vehicles' onboardbatteries. When such electric vehicles are available as well as thebattery modules, the system will utilize a battery exchange system toexchange batteries using the mobile applications and CMCS describedherein above with such modular batteries that are matched with theirparticular electric vehicle that may accept the batteries.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , there is illustrated an alternativeembodiment of a system 1010 for managing a network of charging stationsfor personal mobility devices and personal medical devices. The system1010 includes a central device charger controller 1012 that controls allcharging operations between a plurality of charging units 1014 through anetwork 1016, such as the Internet. Individual users may establishappointments with the various charging units 1014 using a mobileapplication 1016 stored on their personal mobile devices. The mobileapplication 106 communicates with the central device charger controller1012 and charging units 1014 through the network 1016. The system 1010enables and facilitates the charging of electric devices at locationswhich provide charging facilities that can be reserved for use atpredetermined times or opportunistically as availability permits. Thecharging units 1014 are provided at locations in or around where a userintends to engage in some activity such as those offered at recreationalor food and beverage sites among other establishments, or in generalwhere the user intends or expects to be spending an extended length oftime to allow for an effective charging cycle. However, the system 1010is not restricted to such fixed locations as such charging units 1014may be rented out by the owner or operator for use at the user's optionand pleasure by packaging such units 1014 as swappable batteries for usein the users' devices as described herein above.

The network of charging stations 1014 are located within or near theproperty of a service provider such as a restaurant, cinema, concerthall, etc., or are transportable and can be reserved by a personalmobility device user prior to the user's visit at a particular vendorlocation. The user makes reservations for use of a charging unit 1014via the mobile application 1016 which enables the user to connect to thecentral device charger controller 1012. The charging unit 1014 containselectronics and switches that control the dispensation of an electriccharging current to the subscribing user's personal mobility deviceunder control of a central control module having functions that areincorporated within the charging unit 1014. Each charging unit 1014 maycontain several connectors that can be controlled from a singlecentralized controller within the charging unit 1014. Each connector mayhave different connector configurations for connecting with differentdevices having different charging protocols.

The mobile application 1016 provides position information using variousapplications such as GPSS applications, cell tower triangulationtechniques or using location sensitive beaconing technologies such asApple Computer's Bluetooth app iBeacon or other commercial beaconingtechnologies. Typically, the application 1016 is downloaded to a mobilecommunications device such as a smart phone or electronic tablet. Theapplication 1016 and central device charger controller 1012 enable thesystem to employ Internet of Things (IOT) protocols and methods toenable and provide for a range of services to the user who subscribesvia online registration through the application.

The system 1010 uses the network 1016 to provide shared computer andcommunication resources and to maintain databases within the devicecharger controller 1012, as will be described more fully herein below,for all subscribing vendors and system subscribers. Before registering avendor, the vendor's venue must be audited as to the feasibility ofproviding charging unit services. The vendor must have Internetconnectivity to become part of the system and may opt for other wirelesscommunications methods such as Wi-Fi, and/or Apple computers app iBeaconthat facilitates sending digital beacon messages from the vendor to theuser. The vendor must also set aside or install specific electricaloutlets and space to accommodate the secure parking of one or morepersonal mobility devices or charging bays for personal medical devicesat their premises or venue. The vendor would initiate the registrationprocess using a mobile application 1016 in a similar manner that a newuser would register with the system.

The installation of a beacon-like application on the user's smart deviceenables the system to provide the user with enhanced services. Theelectricity provided through the designated outlets is accessed,controlled and regulated via a device and/or software either within thevendor's premises equipment or in an external apparatus that connectswith the system. The vendor, such as a restaurant operator that catersto electric wheelchair users, would designate specific wheelchairaccessible tables which either incorporate one or more charging ports orin some cases the vendor might deploy their charging units at convenientpersonal mobility device parking areas provided the vendor also has ameans for enabling the visiting user to be transported to the activityvenue. All such information is part of the specific event profile andmay be displayed on the user's mobile application 1012.

The charging unit 1014 employs Internet of things (IOT) technology tocommunicate with the central device charger management controller 1012either directly or via the central management controller that controlsone or more charging units 1014. The charging unit 1014 alsocommunicates with the personal mobility device in such cases wherein thepersonal mobility device has built-in communications capability such asBluetooth or Wi-Fi. In such cases, there may be a need to cooperate withthe specific personal mobility device manufacturer in order to obtainthe personal mobility devices API (application program interface).Access to such APIs may be required to enable the system's sophisticatedfeatures such as trip planning so that the system can determine the realtime charge state of the personal mobility devices battery and averagespeed of travel among other measurement parameters.

The system 1010 incorporates other positioning technologies for suchpurposes including beaconing technologies and wheel mounted odometers toenable the determination of distances traveled by the personal mobilitydevice based on revolutions of the wheel. Other means of providing suchinformation may utilize third-party apps such as Google maps whereby thesystem can derive the personal mobility devices position and travelprogress via the user's smart phone GPSS system. IOT capability may bedeployed in several elements of the vendor's equipment portfolio. Othermethods and apparatuses may be used to garner the necessary personalmobility device travel and battery state data as well as the user'sbiometric data so as to determine the distance traveled for example,and/or whether intervention is required by the user or device.Additionally, the central management controller would measure thequantity of electricity consumed by the personal mobility device duringthe charging session.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 17 , there is illustrated a functionalblock diagram of the central device charger controller 1012. Thecontroller 1012 includes databases of vendor profiles 1102 and memberprofiles 1104. The vendor profiles 1102 store information concerningcharging units 1014, and the individuals controlling operation of thecharging units. The member profiles 1104 include information about userswho have registered their personal mobility devices, personal medicaldevices or other electronic devices through the device chargercontroller 1012 and charging units 1014. The controller 1012 enables newmembers to register with the system at step 1702 through communicationsbetween the central personal mobility device charger controller and atleast one of the plurality of charging applications. The controller 1012enables new vendors to register with the system at step 1704 throughcommunications between the central personal mobility device chargercontroller and the at least one of the plurality of chargingapplications. New member data is stored at step 1706 within the memberprofile database and new vendor data within the vendor profile database.

The local statistics database 1108 stores information relating to theneighborhood surrounding charging units 1014. This information maycomprise information such as the availability of handicap parking nearthe particular vendor providing the charging unit or locations ofpersonal mobility device accessible washrooms located nearby. Locationsof nearby medical facilities that can provide treatment and servicesspecific to the needs of a specific personal mobility device or personalmedical device users will also be displayable through the mobileapplication 1016 in the event that the user is in need of medical orother intervention. Because of the user's dependence on the personalmobility device, the system could also provide the locations of nearbypersonal mobility device shops for parts and service and their hours ofoperation.

Registration controller 1106 is responsible for enabling new users toregister with the central device charger controller 1012 after they havedownloaded the mobile application 1016 to their personal mobile device.Trip planning controller 1110 enables a user to interact with thecentral device charger controller 1012 through their mobile application1016 to plan a trip between locations and locate charging units 1014located along the trip route or in close proximity to the trip route.Once various charging units 1014 are located that correspond to the tripplan, the reservation controller 1112 enables the user to make areservation for a particular charging unit 1014 at a particular timethrough the mobile application 1016. An AIS 1113 may be utilized toprovide more sophisticated trip planning that incorporates biometricmeasurement and monitoring to facilitate reservations and/orintervention for medical or other reasons. Marketing controller 1114generates programs for marketing particular services to users by pushinginformation from the charger controller 1012 to the mobile applications1016.

FIG. 12 illustrates a functional block diagram of the mobile application1016 stored upon a personal mobile device. The application 1016 includestrip planning functionalities 1202 enabling a user to plan and locatecharging units 1014 in conjunction with the device charger controllertrip planning functionalities 1110. The trip planning functionality 1202enables a user to search for charging unit enabledestablishments/locations to make bookings and reservations for use of aspecific charging unit 2014. The trip planning functionality 1202utilizes charging unit 1014 availability around the specified area andmay be carried out manually by user selections orautomatically/semi-automatically with assistance from the trip planningcontroller 1110 within the device charger controller 1012. Utilizinguser inputs of estimated times to be spent at each portion of a trip,the trip planning functionality 1202 in conjunction with the tripplanning controller 1110 of the device charger controller 1012 providesadvice on a sequence of charging stops and the optimum time and durationto be connected to a charging unit 1014. Upon user confirmation of atrip plan, the system will make the necessary reservations utilizingcommunications between the reservation interface 1206 of the application1016 and the reservation controller 1112 of the device chargercontroller 1012 at the appropriate charging unit 1014.

The location controller 1204 enables the mobile application 1016 todetermine a current position of the mobile device housing the mobileapplication. The location controller 1204 makes use of globalpositioning or other positioning functionalities to determine aterrestrial location of the personal mobility device, personal medicaldevice or other electronic device for charging. This is useful inlocating charging units 1014 that are in a current proximity to theuser. The reservation interface 1206 enables the mobile application 1016to generate a reservation for a particular charging unit at a particulartime. The reservation interface 1206 interacts with the registrationcontroller 1106 of the device charger controller 1012 in order to locateavailable charging units 1014.

Battery management controller 1208 makes calculations and determinationswith respect to a user's current battery charge state for a personalmobility device or personal electronic device. The battery managementcontroller 1208 determines when a last charge of the device occurred andbased upon known discharge characteristics generates alerts and providesnotifications to users when recharging of their personal mobility deviceor personal medical device is necessary in order to avoid the devicesbecoming completely discharged and stranding the user or placing them ina medical emergency situation. The battery management controller 1208controls battery management and provides proper charging sequences,conditioning and protections. This is more fully illustrated in FIG. 19. A battery discharge rate of the personal mobility device is tracked atstep 1902. Alerts to the user are generated at step 1904 responsive to adetermination of a low battery condition of the personal mobilitydevice. The battery management controller 1208 assesses battery tocharger compatibility, provides charging management and providesreal-time feedback and reporting on the charging process and level ofthe charging device's battery charge state so as to alert the user whenthe battery reaches specified user established threshold triggers or ifthe battery is impaired. This management and control by the batterymanagement controller 1208 also ensures that the charging process isconsistent with the various battery chemistry and technologies used inthe respective batteries. Such control may also be moderated on demandto affect the charging rate for the battery such as to enable vendordiscretion for pricing their services on the basis of fast or normalcharging rates. The battery management controller 1208 may also provideautomatic cutoff of the charging process when anomalies are encounteredto prevent hazardous events.

The account controller 1210 stores user account information enabling auser to login to the device charger controller 1012 in order to obtaincharging services. The account controller 1210 provides real-timeaccount access by vendors and users as to their individual accounts toobtain charger usage and financial information and management. Forexample, the current status for a charging unit reservation andutilization may be obtained by the vendor. Users may obtain reservationstatus and carry out actions such as charging to a credit card and/ordebiting a bank account with a predetermined booking fee in order tocredit the amount to the system and reserve a predetermined portion ofthe transaction fee for the serving vendor. Payment controller 1212stores payment information for the user enabling them to utilize themobile application 1016 to automatically pay for and obtain chargingservices using for example credit card information, PayPal information,automatic bank draft information or other payment protocols.

The group control functionality 1214 provides for social mediainteractions and group socializing of system users. Group socializingsuch as the coordination of user activated group activities and/orassembly when the invited individuals are allocated to charging units1014 for charging. Things such as group gifting capabilities may befacilitated to enable users to coordinate a group gifting campaign for auser, or anyone else that has a social media account, an email addressand or mobile phone number. The group control functionality 1214 alsoprovides the ability to offer other group apps by third parties such asEvite to enable group gatherings to be offered through the system 1010.Group controls 1214 could also provide neighborhood watch capabilitieswhereupon a user can automate the setting of alarm that is broadcast toone or more individuals whenever a trip plan is violated as to time ofexpected arrival and expected trip stop location as might occur when anelderly personal mobility device user gets forgetful and strays fromtheir scheduled activities. Biometric measurement devices 1215 may alsobe used to provide indications for the need of medical or health relatedinterventions. In such situations, the system could be programmed tosend out a distress signal to either the police, and/or other presetemergency contacts. Distress signaling could be provided to alert carepractitioners and/or emergency responders when a user's biometriccondition triggers preset thresholds. The biometric devices 1215 mayalso me used for validating a user and enabling initiation of thecharging process. The biometric devices 1215 may comprise devices suchas fingerprint scanners, voice recognition devices, retinal scanners,etc. The group controls 1214 also provide aggregation or grouping ofvarious personal mobility device accessible establishments and provideadvertising services to such establishments to coincide with trip plansthat a user may establish using the trip planning functionality 1202.

FIG. 13 provides a functional block diagram of the charging unit 1014. Aconnector 1302 enables the charging unit 1014 to connect with a devicethat is being charged. The connector 1302 provides charging current fromthe charging circuitry 1303. The charging circuitry 1303 generates thecharging current from a provided energy source. The connector 1302 canbe of one or a plurality of types to enable the charging unit 1014 toconnect to a variety of different personal mobility devices, personalmedical devices or other types of electrical devices needing charging. Aconnector 1302 may provide direct or inductive coupling or otherstate-of-the-art over the air technologies between the charging unit andthe device being charge. The connector 1302 may comprise severalconnections under control of the central control module 1310. Each ofthe plurality of connectors may employ different connectorconfigurations for connecting different personal mobility devices asdifferent personal mobility devices may employ different connectingplugs and also contain different types of batteries (such as sealed leadacid (SLA) or lithium ion battery chemistry), different batterycapabilities and different battery charging voltages and chargingprotocols.

The central control module 1310 provides a range of battery chargingmanagement and control protocols and functionalities for regulating thecharging process as well as to monitor the personal mobility devicesbattery charge state to prevent overcharging which can lead to fire andexplosions. Power grid connection 1304 connects the charging unit 1014to the electrical power grid. The power grid connection 1304 provides aconnection to the power grid that enables the charging unit to charge aconnected electrical device using a generated charging current.

In addition to receiving electrical charging energy from the power grid,energy generator interface 1306 enables connection to an alternativeenergy generation source such as solar cells, a wind turbine, a gaspowered generator, etc. Any type of non-electrical grid energygeneration source may be utilized. Energy storage batteries 1308 may beused for storing energy for charging a connected electrical devicewithout requiring an active electrical power connection. The off gridpower provided by batteries and/or other energy storage devices can beregularly charged by solar panels or other renewable energy powergenerators such as wind turbines or even fossil fuel power generators.Offered power may in fact also be provided by user devices whereby onepersonal mobility device may be used to transfer power to anotherpersonal mobility device whether singly or in a ganged or combinedfashion. The concept is not restricted to personal mobility devices butmay also be applied to all portable or transportable user devices forinter-device charging. The batteries may be charged from a connectedalternative energy source through the energy generator interface 1308 orthrough the power grid connection 1304.

A central management controller 1310 includes all of the central controlfunctionalities for controlling the operation of the charging unit 1014responsive to control information from the central device chargercontroller 1012 and mobile applications 1016. Communications with thecentral device charger controller 1012 and mobile applications 1016 arecarried out through a network interface 1312 enabling communicationsover the network 1016. Further communications to the network 1016 orlocal devices may also be carried out through a local wireless interface1314 using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless communications protocolsor through the powerline itself. The reservation controller 1316 enablesinformation to be exchanged regarding the establishment of a reservationby a user and notification of the charging unit 1014 that the chargingunit is no longer available at a particular point in time at which areservation has been granted. The battery charging controller 1318controls the battery charging process when an electrical device isactually connected with the charging unit 1014.

The electricity provision controller 1320 works in conjunction with thecharging element circuitry 1303 to regulate the flow of electricity tothe charging battery. The electricity provision controller 1320 has theability to regulate the flow of electricity in such a manner as tomanage the charging of users' device batteries that are connected to thecharging unit 1014 so as to optimize the charging process or simply toregulate the speed of charging based on pricing and payment protocols.This process is facilitated by the data communications capability of thelocal wireless interface 1314 using Wi-Fi, 3G/4G/5G, Bluetooth etc.Payment controller 1322 provides point-of-sale functionalities enablinga user to pay for charging services received by their electric device.The payment controller 1322 may be in the form of a magnetic strip orsmart chip reader that reads information from a credit card or a dataentry terminal that receives information from a user's mobileapplication or enable manual entry relating to payment information thatis used to charge a user's account. The account controller 1324 providesaccess to user account information based upon information received fromthe mobile application 1012 that has requested a charging time or isproviding payment information.

In the case of the charging of large capacity battery powered personalmobility devices such as electric wheelchairs and scooters for themobility impaired, such personal mobility devices typically take a longperiod of time to charge but are quick to discharge in use due to theunpredictable energy consumption modes. In such cases where the chargingtime required is long and there is a physical or medical dependence onthe device by the user, the utility of being able to reserve a chargingport becomes more of a necessity rather than a convenience. Consider thecase of an electric wheelchair user, or the user of a portable oxygenconcentrator (POC), a respiratory device for chronic obstructivepulmonary disease sufferers which requires the need of a charge whilethe user is out of their home. The user dependence on his wheelchair orPOC precludes leaving the device to be charged while the user engages inan activity, unless the user has a spare device or is participating inan activity at the charging station itself such as a restaurant ortheater.

Using the mobile application 1016 and device charger controller 1012,the user is able to reserve a charging port in advance for apredetermined time where the user knows they will be present at or nearthe charging facility. The user may also charge their device at theestablishment when they are engaged in an activity at a location, suchas dining at a restaurant, for a particular period of time. One of thefeatures of the system is the assisting of the user in determining theoptimum time for recharging which coincides with a period of immobilitysuch as eating dinner at the restaurant that includes a charging unitand/or has the ability to facilitate charging services. The describedsystem has tremendously broad utility and applicability to any and allrechargeable devices. While the disclosure is made with respect torechargeable electric motor powered personal mobility devices formobility impaired individuals or personal medical devices, the conceptdescribed herein is applicable to other types of electricallyrechargeable devices that store energy and require recharging or energyrefurbishment.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , there is illustrated a flow diagram of theprocess for generating a reservation transaction. The system concept maybe applied to a wide variety of rechargeable devices, and theutilization of the features of the system are very diverse. In theexample of a personal mobility device user, one such feature of thesystem which is accessible via the mobile application 1016 is to plan atrip that encompasses various trip stops for charging the personalmobility device during the course of the journey and to coincide thosecharging periods with a specific stationary activity such as dining,drinking, reading or viewing a movie. During these times a personalmobility device is connected to a charging port and is being chargedduring the user's activity. A user launches at step 1402 the mobileapplications 1016 on a smart phone or other communications devices suchas electronic tablets and reviews several action options available forexecution such as plan trip 1404, browse charging units 1406 or bookcharging units 1408. The user selects, in one example, browse chargingunits at step 1406 and asks for destination and area coverage at step1410 to gather various trip parameters enabling them to make a chargerselection. The coverage area may be viewed in miles, yards or evenmetric units. The user application 1016 displays at step 1412 thevarious locations that include charging units. The user browses theavailable destination points that they intend to visit during their tripto make sure that charging units 1014 are available during their trip.

Once satisfied with the availability of charging units 1014 at thespecified trip stops, particular charging units 1014 are selected atstep 1414 for the trip. The application 1016 asks for the expected timeto be spent at each charging unit at step 1416 and upon userconfirmation, a trip plan is generated at step 1418 that lists therecommended sequence of trip stops and the times allocated at each stop.The user can also generate trip plan change request/recommendations atstep 1424 to charging units 1014 that have not been made a part of thegenerated trip plan. Based upon considerations of the stop times andexpected lapse times and battery drain, the system will specify the tripplan at 1418 and provide recommended times for a charging appointment.The user can confirm the recommendation at step 1422, or alternatively,generate plan change recommendations at step 1420. If a user's changesare inconsistent with the user's personal mobility devicecharacteristics and planned usage of the trip, the system will promptthe user for alternative selections and/or propose alternative chargingunit bookings. Upon acceptance of the recommendations at step 1420, thereservations may be generated at step 1424.

Upon confirmation of a trip plan, the system will make the necessarycharging unit 1014 reservations at step 1424 and interface with theappropriate charging units to perform the necessary booking protocolssuch that the charging unit 1014 is reserved for a particular user.Alternatively, using the trip planning functionalities 1202 of theapplication 1016, the user can simply plan a trip by selecting forexample the planned trip function on the opening screen of his smartphone and the system will check the availability of charging units 1014at various destination points and generate a trip plan with trip stopsequences automatically.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , there is illustrated the process of usingvarious reservations for device recharging during an actual trip. Theuser begins their journey and the mobile application 1016 will monitorthe trip progress at step 1502. Based upon the trip progress monitoring,a number of different alerts or suggestions as shown generally at step1504 may be generated to the user through their mobile application 1016.The user may be prompted along the way with reservation time alerts 1506as scheduled charging unit 1014 reservation times approach.Alternatively, if the monitoring determines that the user has deviatedfrom their trip plan schedule and appears to endanger their batteryconsumption plan, the system will generate a deviation alert at 1508 andprompt for a corrective action or propose a change in the trip sequenceat step 1510 so as to enable one or more alternative charging unit 1014bookings. However, such changes may result in booking cancellationpenalties which are charged directly to the users credit card or bankaccount on file within the system. The user may also engage the AIS toentirely manage the charging sequences based on tracking the user'sjourney.

When a user stops at an appointed time at an appointed charging unitlocation, the user will present their reservation information at step1512 to the charging unit vendor and is directed to a charging unit 1014where the user can connect their personal mobility device, personalmedical device or other electronic charging devices. Alternatively thecharging unit 1014 may also provide indication of its location byoptical means such as flashing colored lights which also indicates thecharger's state of operation. The charging unit 1014 may also broadcastits location using beacon technologies that the mobile application 1016may home in to or lock onto to provide direction guidance. Assuming thatthe vendor is a restaurant, the charging unit 1014 will likely comprisea reserved table. The personal mobility devices or electric wheelchaircan simply wheel up to the table and charge while they are dining.Alternatively, if the personal mobility device and/or electric scootercannot be used at a dining table, the vendor will likely have adesignated parking area that is charging unit 1014 equipped, and theuser is provided with a temporary wheelchair which can be used at thetable. All such information concerning the vendor charging environmentis available to the user through their mobile application 1016.

The user connects their device to the charging unit at step 1514. Assoon as the device is plugged into the charging unit 1014, anauthentication sequence will be initiated at step 1516. The progress ofthe authentication sequence is displayed on the users mobile application1016 and may comprise verifying the personal mobility deviceidentification (e.g. registered serial number), verifying the make modeland power specification of the personal mobility device (which requiresa user's affirmative action to ensure that the personal mobility devicehas not been modified from its original manufacturing state), the userscredit card or bank account is validated and the time of the connectionis recorded. The user authorizes commencement of the charging at step1518 and this confirmation is received by the charging unit 1014 at step1520. The system provides for different categories of users and does notrequire that the user have a smart phone and mobile application 1012.Each vendor having a charging unit is equipped or enabled to act as aproxy for authorization whereupon the visiting user may perform theauthorization via the vendor's point-of-sale device. Such an option is anecessity in the case of a disabled user that cannot operate a smartphone, or tablet or does not have either one. Alternatively the systemmay use biometric validation methodologies.

The charging process and payment is initiated at step 1522. Once thescheduled charging unit session has ended, the user and vendor arealerted at step 1524. The user may be given an opportunity to extend thecharging session at step 1526 provided that no other bookings for thecharging unit 1014 have been scheduled. In the event that the specificcharging unit 1014 has been pre-scheduled by another user, the systemmay offer the current user a different charging unit that is available.The system or vendor also has the ability to re-assign a differentcharging unit 1014 to the next scheduled user whereby the current userof a charging unit may extend his charging time or use of the vendor'sfacilities for perhaps an additional fee. Once the session isterminated, the system will complete the payment protocols at step 1528,and the user's preselected form of payment is charged and credited tothe serving vendor. The system provides a variety of financial paymentoperations as commonly practiced in e-commerce such as scheduled billingand payment, recordkeeping and periodic statement reporting, etc. It isup to the system operator and vendor to determine the frequency andmethod of payment from the system operator to the vendor.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , there is illustrated a further configurationof the charging units, wherein a plurality of charging units 1602 areincluded within a group of one or more lockers 1604. Each locker 1604includes a charging unit 1602 such as that discussed herein above and aplug 1606 for connecting any type of electric device that needscharging. By opening the locker using a key, providing a charging codereceived through a mobile application or by paying an indicated fee, auser is able to have access to the charging unit 1602 and plug 1606. Theuser can then connect their device for charging and lock the device 1603in the locker while it is charging to maintain the device in a securelocation while the user perform other activities. The communicationsinterface 1608 associated with the charging unit 1602 can contact theuser through the user's mobile application to broadcast a charging state(charging, quarter charge, half charge, three-quarter charge, completecharge, etc.) of a charging electric device. The lockers 1604 couldadditionally be used in a kiosk or other convenient grouping of thecharging units.

The preceding discussion depicts one example of a charging managementand reservation system wherein a personal mobility device, personalmedical device or other electronic device is charged with a devicespecific cable that presumably delivers the appropriate DC voltage andamperage to the device while the charging unit 1014 performs the chargemonitoring and management. Different devices may have different batterycharging protocols, different connectors and characteristics and mayeither have an onboard charger which can be directly connected to the120 V AC outlet or require an offboard (not part of the device) chargerthat provides the appropriate DC charge voltage and amperage andconnectors. All these characteristics of specific devices are matched tothe specific vendor's equipment repertoire.

The architecture of the management and reservation system 1010 isdesigned to be an “open” system which enables the incorporation ofthird-party apps and system components such as third-party cloudplatforms, group meeting and group gifting apps. Additionally, thesystem functionality is an open system that can provide the samereservation and charging functionality for other rechargeable devicessuch as E-Bikes, two wheeled balance scooters or Segway devices, smartphones and tablets and portable respiratory devices dependent on theparticular vendor. A vendor could simply be an individual that owns acharger for a specific rechargeable device that may be obsolete or hardto come by and in such situations the individual vendor may find anopportunity to rent out their charger rather than generating a one-timesale. The user could also be traveling and have forgotten to carry theircharging equipment for their device in which case the ability to rentsuch a charger via the system would be a lifesaver.

The system also incorporates the capability to register vendors on thespot via the mobile application 1016 as in the case when a user finds awilling establishment that is not yet part of the system but which iswilling to allow the user to utilize the establishment's 110-120,220-240 V AC outlet or other power source. In providing this vendorregistration capability via the mobile application 1012, the system isable to propagate utility organically via its membership database.

In an alternative embodiment, the tracking and control of individualpower outlets may be tracked and identified for users of personalmobility devices or portable electronic devices in order to enable themto locate and connect to the power outlets for the purpose of chargingtheir devices. The proliferation of portable and transportableelectrical and electronic devices that run on battery power or othermobile power sources are ever-increasing. When a user of a portableelectronic device needs power there is no easy way to search online foran available compatible power source.

The described system and method for registering and controllingelectrical power outlets comprises a system for the instant catalogingof the location, characteristics and functionality of power outlets by auser and for the verification of the existence and characteristics ofthe identified power outlet. Referring now to FIG. 20 , there isgenerally illustrated the operating environment of the described system.For example, a portable electronic device 2002 may plug into one of aselected number of power outlets 2004 to provide for the charging of theportable electronic device. The power outlets 2004 are provided withelectrical power from the electrical power system 2006. The system forproviding for power outlet registration and control encompasses varioustechnologies such as the Internet, cloud computing environment,wireless, remote, in-line, near field and transponder communications,power transmission protocols, delivery and measurement, databasetechniques and technologies, the electricity grid, alternate powerconveyance grids, and Internet of things protocols as well as methods toenable and provide for a range of services to a portable electronicdevice user for which they must subscribe the online registration withthe system.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 , there are already many passive electricalpower outlets installed worldwide that provide power to a device byconnecting that device to the electrical source or power grid throughthe power outlet. The power outlets are owned by individuals,businesses, organizations, government bodies and others as powerproviders and the cost of providing power is borne by these powerproviders. Usually the outlets are available for access by anyone andare not restricted by the provider. The problem is that the locations ofthe power outlets are not usually evident, discoverable or retrievableand may not be catalogued online. Thus, the power outlet registration,control, and management system herein includes a networked database andmechanism for registering, recording the location and characteristics ofelectric outlets. Information may include the type of outlet and type ofpower provided by the outlet such as USB (universal serial bus), AC(alternating current), power capacity, etc.

In order to accelerate the cataloging of power outlets, the power outletregistration and control system utilizes the recruitment of the generalpopulation of users who may register with the system the locations andcharacteristics of power outlets that the person has discovered.Recruitment or incentivization of users to engage in such registrationmay be handled in many ways and fashions such as by providing freememberships to a reporting user to access the system and use itsfeatures and functions. Other means and marketing techniques which aregenerally known and widely used commercially may also be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , reporting of the location of power outletscan be facilitated using a software application (app) 2102 installed ona device 2104. The device may be a mobile phone, mobile tablet,electronic book, laptop etc. The power outlet app 2102 includes a userregistration controller 2106 to provide for the registration of thereporting person as a member of the system as well as recording thelocation and characteristics of the power outlet 2004. Communicationsbetween the app 2102 to a central controller are carried out through acommunications interface 2108 of the power outlet app 2102 working inconjunction with the network interface 2110 of the device 2104.Additionally, the app 2102 provides instructions and mechanisms forverifying the location of the power outlet 2004.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , there is illustrated one example of averification protocol. The process is initiated when a user connectstheir device at step 2202 into a power outlet. The power outlet app 2102detects connection to the power outlet at step 2204. Responsive to thedetection of the connection, the app 2102 automatically launches at step2206. The launched application searches an associated database for arecord of the outlet previously stored within the database at step 2208.Inquiry step 2210 determines if the outlet has been previouslyregistered. If so, the process is completed at step 2212. If the outlethas not been previously registered, the registration process isinitiated at step 2214. As part of the registration process, thelocation of the power outlet is identified at step 2216. The connectionof the power outlet to a power source is confirmed at step 2218, andvarious characteristics associated with the outlet are identified atstep 2220. After all of this information is provided by the registrantor automatically by the app 2102, the individual reporting the poweroutlet is credited with the report and the information related to thepower outlet is stored within the database at step 2222. The process iscomplete at step 2212.

Referring now back to FIG. 21 , positioning and characteristiccontroller 2112 may utilize one of several different methodologies foridentifying a new power outlet. These techniques involve using otherapplications such as Google maps or other mapping applications to conveythe coordinates of the reporter's mobile phone to the power outletsmanager system. Smart grid technologies may also be used for determininga power outlet's location if the outlet's location is being monitored bysome third-party grid operators control and management system, or if theoutlet is a new generation smart outlet that incorporates locationidentification and is capable of transmitting such information. In thissituation, the positioning and characteristics controller 2112 wouldcontact the management system associated with the power outlet or if itis a smart outlet to interrogate the smart outlet pursuant to standardcommunications protocols which are enacted in order to determine theoutlet's position. The positioning and characteristics controller 2112may also be used for inputting and/or recording characteristicinformation of the power outlet such as whether it is a USB connector,alternating current connector, single or multiple sockets, etc. Thepositioning and characteristics controller 2112 provides a reporter theability to describe a located power outlet and may enable engagement ofthe camera of the mobile device to take photos of the location of theoutlet and surroundings and to enable recordation of othercharacteristics of the outlet such as the type of power socket, thenumber of sockets and other characteristics. In addition, robot programs(“bots”) may be used to probe the various energy grids automatically toidentify and register points of power distribution and dispensationwhich may embody outlets that are accessible.

To further ensure that the new outlet port actually exists, the poweroutlet app 2102 uses the outlet verification controller 2114 to verifythat power is derivable from the located new power outlet that is beingreported. Other verification methods may be employed such as searching adatabase of municipalities relating to building permits andarchitectural plans of a located outlet's host building or structure inorder to verify the existence of the outlet. Upon verification of theexistence and location of a power outlet, the reporter is credited withthe discovery and a recording of the outlet is effected within the poweroutlet manager database. In the event that the existence and location ofthe new power outlet cannot be immediately verified and recorded, thepower outlet application 2102 will flag the registration attempt as anincomplete registration and hold the record indefinitely in the eventthat there was an unplanned power shutdown at the time the registrationwas attempted or for whatever reason that the registration could not becompleted at that time. For example, the reporter may not have time tocomplete the registration process and unplugs their mobile device, orthe host structure experiences a power utility outage, etc.

A reservation controller 2113 enables a user that is registered with thesystem to make a reservation at system controlled power outlets throughthe power outlet application 2104. A user may reserve a particularoutlet at a particular time and for length of time in order to chargetheir device.

The power outlet manager system will publish and make available thepower outlet application 2102 through various online stores that listand sell mobile software applications such as Apple's® App Store orGoogle's online store Google® Play so that anyone can download the poweroutlet application 2102 in order to be able to access the system andlocate and use any outlet defined within the database. The user may berequired to pay a membership fee for the privilege of using the systemto locate power outlets, and may also be required to pay a fee forreserving outlets and to use the located outlet to derive power when thepower outlet is a controlled power outlet as more fully described hereinbelow.

A controlled outlet controller 2116 transmits and receives controlinstructions for controlling the operation of a controlled outlet 2504as in FIG. 25 . A locker controller 2118 enables a user to access alocker 2312 in FIG. 23 that may be associated with a controlled outlet2504 in a similar manner to the lockers discussed herein above. Aprofile matching controller 2120 enables a user to search for poweroutlets having a profile that match the profile of the device theydesire to charge. Thus, for example, if a user was trying to charge adevice having a particular type of cable or connector required, theprofile matching controller 2120 would compare the devicecharacteristics with a list of nearby outlets that meet the requirementsassociated with the user's device profile. The search controller 2122enables a user to enter particular search parameters associated with apower outlet and search for registered power outlets meeting thesesearch parameters. Searching functionalities 2604 in FIG. 26 enables auser to search for power outlets anywhere using various search criteriasuch as proximity to the user or other landmarks/areas, type of outlet,availability (for reservable outlet), etc. A trip planning controller2124 enables a user to enter starting and ending locations associatedwith a particular trip. As more fully described herein below, thecontroller 2124 interacts with the power outlet manager system 2304 inorder to provide the ability to locate outlets located at stops along atrip path, make changes to the trip path and provide warnings upondeviations from the trip path that may cause the electronic device torun out of charge. Account access controller 2126 enables the user toaccess their user account with the power outlet manager system 2304 andestablish information therein such as passwords, contact information,payment information, profile establishment and anything else associatedwith accessing and changing the information associated with theiraccount. Account access functionalities provide for real-time access byusers and outlet providers as to their individual accounts in order toobtain usage of financial information and management of user data.Information such as the current status of an outlet provider's outlets,reservation and utilization history or reservation status/history of theuser, etc. The authentication controller 2128 controls the manner inwhich a user accesses their account. The authentication controller 2128authenticates the user based upon a username, password, emailinformation, token or any other identification means that may beutilized for confirming that a user attempting to access the system isan authorized user. Authentication functionalities enable authenticationof the user for connection to an outlet, controlled outlet or locker.The authentication functionalities further provide for necessaryelectronic banking actions such as charging a credit card and/ordebiting a user's bank account with a predetermined booking fee.Additional functionalities may assist with crediting an amount to theappropriate parties including the power outlet manager system 2304, anoutlet provider, a premises owner/operator and/or others. The groupcontroller 2130 controls the manner in which a user may be contacted viathe app 2102 in registered or defined groups such as social mediagroups. Individuals having a common interest or need may be contactedand provided information relevant to that particular group. Atransponder or transponder controller 2132 provide remote controlcapabilities within the controlled outlets or locker such thatpredetermined device types can sync up with the system ports and triggercertain applications such as announcing compatibility of powerconductivity, voltage, socket type etc.

Referring now to FIG. 23 , there is more fully illustrated theinteraction of the power outlet app 2302 with the power outlet managersystem 2304. The power outlet app 2302 is implemented within a portableelectric device 2306 such as a mobile phone, tablet, pad, computer etc.The portable electric device 2306 can connect with a power outlet 2308in order to charge the portable electric device 2306 using an electricpower system 2310. The power outlet 2308 can further have a locker 2312associated therewith and into which the portable electric device 2306may be placed when charging through the power outlet 2308. Theelectronically keyed locker 2312 has a built-in electronicallycontrolled locking mechanism that is operated remotely in order tophysically secure a user's mobile device within the locker box whetherit is connected to power or not. The locker 2312 may also be reservableand incorporate data communications capability to interact with thepower outlet and incorporate built-in power cables and power voltagessuch as those specific to certain popular phone manufacturers such asApple, Samsung, etc. The locker may also be equipped with automatedvending equipment that offers items for sale or rent such as candies andcharging cords. If space is sufficient the locker may even be equippedwith printers, fax machines, and other devices for onsite use. Wi-Fi2313 may be provided from each controlled outlet or locker that is alsoequipped with Wi-Fi and data communications capabilities and alsoprovide this functionality as a Wi-Fi router with secured access that isadministered through the power outlet management system 2304 as analternative premium service offering to users. Each controlled outlet orlocker may also be equipped with built-in rechargeable batteries 2315 toprovide backup enabling the outlet to function as emergency lightingusing multiple colors while maintaining communications with the poweroutlet management system 2304.

The power outlet application 2302 communicates with the power outletmanager 2304 through a network interface 2314 associated with theportable electric device 2306. The network interface 2314 provides acommunications link over the Internet 2316 with the power outlet manager2304. The power outlet manager 2304 stores all the informationassociated with various power outlets 2308 in an associated power outletmanager database 2318. The power outlet manager 2304 embodies anInternet cloud environment/mechanism or other wide area networkmechanism for or communications between the database 2318 and poweroutlet manager controller 2304 and for maintaining an ongoing real-timeregistry within the database 2318 of all outlets on the system and/orany other third party database as may be available or necessary.

Referring now to FIG. 24 , there is illustrated a block diagram of thepower outlet manager system 2304. The power outlet manager system 2304includes a status monitoring controller 2402 for tracking the status ofall the power outlets as to whether the outlet is connected to a powersource/grid, whether it is in use, the duration of each connection, andwhether it is in an end-user idle state. If the power outlet has beenequipped with a power monitoring and control circuitry 2502 asillustrated in FIG. 25 , the power outlet manager system 2304communicates with power monitoring and control circuitry 2502 that isconnected to a power outlet 2504. The power monitoring and controlcircuitry 2502 communicates with the power outlet manager 2304 over anassociated network interface 2506. The power monitoring and controlcontroller 2404 of the power outlet manager 2304 enables maintenance ofcharacteristics within the controlled outlets data record with respectto the power outlet manager system 2304. The registration andadministration of a controlled power outlet 2504 occurs in a similarfashion to a passive outlet that is not controllable.

A locker controller 2410 controls access to and reservation of lockersthat are associated with controlled power outlets. If the power outletis a controlled outlet with built-in communications capability usingwireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or other data transmissionmechanisms, the communications capability is provided through acommunications interface 2406 to provide the Wi-Fi or othercommunication mechanisms. Wi-Fi controller 2411 controls the WiFiprovided from each controlled outlet or locker that is also equippedwith Wi-Fi and data communications capabilities and also provide thisfunctionality as a Wi-Fi router with secure access that is administeredthrough the power outlet management system 2304 as an alternativepremium service offering to users. Controlled outlets 2504 may besubject to advanced reservations using a reservation controller 2408within the power outlet manager 2304. The reservations are maintainedwithin the database 2318 associated with the power outlet manager 2304.If a user has not registered with the system as a subscriber but isequipped with appropriate wireless data communications technologies suchas Bluetooth, 3G/4G/5G, etc. such user may be allowed access by thelocker controller 2410 as a one-time user for limited use, and/orprompted to register as a member and subscribe for service on the spot.

The power outlet manager 2304 further includes profile matching 2412 forinteracting with the profile matching controller 2120 of the app 2104.The profile matching controller 2412 enables the power outlet managersystem 2304 to search for profiles of registered outlets that match therequired profiles of the user or their device. The search controller2414 responds to the request from the power outlet app 2102 to searchfor registered power outlets located near the app user. Search may bebased on any number of parameters including geographic position,required cable or connector type or availability of an outlet forcharger reservation. Searching functionalities enable a user to searchfor outlets using various search criteria such as proximity to the useror other landmarks/areas, type of outlet, availability (for reservableoutlet), etc. The trip planning controller 2416 enables thedetermination of a trip plan responsive to request from the power outletapp 2102 and information contained within the system database 2318. Tripplanning functionalities enable a user to plan a trip based on outletavailability within a specified area to be visited, either manually,automatically or semi-automatically with assistance from the poweroutlet manager system 2304. The user may input an estimated time to bespent at a number of locations of the trip. The power outlet managersystem 2304 will advise on the sequencing of the stops and the optimumtime and duration to be connected to an outlet, controlled outlet orlocker at the stop. Upon user confirmation of a trip plan, if there arecontrolled outlets that are available within an established itinerary,the power management control system 2304 will make the necessaryreservations for the respective controlled outlets and/or lockers whileproviding a list of non-reservable outlets that may also be accessed.User Account Controller 2418 updates account information with respect toa particular registered user responsive to information received from thepower outlet app 2102 within the system database 2318. Account accessfunctionalities provide for real-time access by users and outletproviders as to their individual accounts in order to obtain usage andfinancial information and management. Information such as the currentstatus of an outlet provider's outlets, reservation and utilizationhistory or reservation status/history of the user, etc. Userauthentication controller 2420 is responsible for allowing the system2304 to verify the identity of a user attempting access based upon theiruser credentials stored within the database 2318 and an enteredusername, password, token, etc. provided from the power outlet app 2102.Authentication functionalities enable authentication of the user forconnection to an outlet, controlled outlet or locker. The authenticationfunctionalities 2612 further provide for necessary electronic bankingactions such as charging a credit card and/or debiting a user's bankaccount with a predetermined booking fee. Additional functionalities mayassist with crediting an amount to the appropriate parties including thepower outlet manager system 2304, and outlet provider, a premisesowner/operator and/or others.

The group controller 2422 enables the grouping and communication ofmultiple users with each other by the system 2304. Group activitiesfunctionalities enable group socializing utilizing the application 2302.Group socializing may comprise the coordination of a user activatedgroup activity or assembly wherein the invited individuals are allocatedpower outlets or lockers for use. The group activities functionalitiesmay also include a group gifting capability to enable users tocoordinate a group gifting campaign for a user either within or outsideof the power outlet manager system 2304. The gifting capability may beprovided to anyone that has a social media account such as Facebook, anemail address and/or mobile phone account. The group activitiesfunctionalities may also provide the ability to offer other group appsprovided by third parties such as eVite for group gatherings to beoffered through the power outlet manager system 2304.

Near field communication circuitry 2424 provide for near fieldcommunication responsive to electronic devices coming near registeredpower outlets. Each controlled outlet or locker may also be equippedwith near field communication functionalities whereby the outlet orlocker can detect the approach or proximity of mobile phones or othermobile communication devices and engage in communications therewith. Thecommunications may provide advertising, promotions, etc. or provide forthe detection of incoming devices using technologies common in cellularcommunications for triangulation of the location of the user device.Transponder controller 2428 controls operation of the transponders 2426.A transponder functionality may provide remote control capabilitieswithin the controlled outlets such that predetermined device types cansync up with the system ports and trigger certain applications such asannouncing compatibility of power conductivity, voltage, socket type,etc. A group outlet controller 2430 may group various controlled poweroutlets together and operate them in a similar manner to provide forexample advertising information from each of the associated outlets.Group control functionalities enable groups of controlled outlets orlockers to be controlled together for synchronized functionalities suchas broadcasting promotions available in the vicinity. Battery backup2432 provides for control of backup batteries associated with the system2304.

The power outlet manager system 2304 enables any provider of poweroutlets, controlled outlets, and/or lockers to register with the systemwhether the outlet or locker is installed in a home, office or otherpremises. The power outlet manager system 2304 will list and offer theoutlets, controlled outlets and lockers to other users of the systemthrough their apps. A power profile matching controller 2412 enablesmatching between users and power outlets seeking compatible power andcompatible features such as specific cable types and/or voltages.Controlled outlets may be designed to provide a variety of powervoltages, currents, frequencies, socket types, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 26 , there are illustrated various functionalitiesthat may be provided by the power outlet manager system 2304 asdiscussed herein above. Accessibility 2602 via the power outletapplication 2302 is provided by the power outlet manager system byinstallation of the application on a user's smart phone, electronictablet, laptop computer or other device having data communicationscapability and the appropriate browsers. Searching functionalities 2604enable a user to search for outlets using various search criteria suchas proximity to the user or other landmarks/areas, type of outlet,availability (for reservable outlet), etc. Positioning and verificationfunctionalities 2606 enable the use of Global positioning and/orlocating of a terrestrial location of an outlet, controlled outletand/or locker for registration and the existence and status verificationof the presence of the outlet in the power outlet manager systemdatabase 2318.

Trip planning functionalities 2608 enable a user to plan a trip based onoutlet availability within a specified area to be visited, eithermanually, automatically or semi-automatically with assistance from thepower outlet manager system 2304. The user may input an estimated timeto be spent at a number of locations of the trip. The power outletmanager system 2304 will advise on the sequencing of the stops and theoptimum time and duration to be connected to an outlet, controlledoutlet or locker at the stop. Upon user confirmation of a trip plan, ifcontrolled outlets are available within an established itinerary, thepower management control system 2304 will make the necessaryreservations for the respective controlled outlets and/or lockers whileproviding a list of non-reservable outlets that may also be accessed.

Account access functionalities 2610 provide for real-time access byusers and outlet providers as to their individual accounts in order toobtain usage and financial information and management. Information suchas the current status of an outlet provider's outlets, reservation andutilization history or reservation status/history of the user, etc.

Authentication functionalities 2612 enable authentication of the userfor connection to an outlet, controlled outlet or locker. Theauthentication functionalities 2612 further provide for necessaryelectronic banking actions such as charging a credit card and/ordebiting a user's bank account with a predetermined booking fee.Additional functionalities may assist with crediting an amount to theappropriate parties including the power outlet manager system 2304, andoutlet provider, a premises owner/operator and/or others.

Group activities functionalities 2614 enable group socializing utilizingthe application 2302. Group socializing may comprise the coordination ofa user activated group activity or assembly wherein the invitedindividuals are allocated power outlets or lockers for use. The groupactivities functionalities 2614 may also include a group giftingcapability to enable users to coordinate a group gifting campaign for auser either within or outside of the power outlet manager system 2304.The gifting capability may be provided to anyone that has a social mediaaccount, an email address and/or mobile phone account. The groupactivities functionalities 2614 may also provide the ability to offerother group apps provided by third parties such as eVite for groupgatherings to be offered through the power outlet manager system 2304.

Wi-Fi functionalities 2616 may be provided from each controlled outletor locker that is also equipped with Wi-Fi and data communicationscapabilities and also provide this functionality as a Wi-Fi router withsecure access that is administered through the power outlet managementsystem 2304 as an alternative premium service offering to users. Eachcontrolled outlet or locker may also be equipped with near fieldcommunication functionalities 2618 whereby the outlet or locker candetect the approach or proximity of mobile phones or other mobilecommunication devices and engage in communications therewith. Thecommunications may provide advertising, promotions, etc. or provide forthe detection of incoming devices using technologies common in cellularcommunications for triangulation of the location of the user device.

A transponder functionality 2620 may provide remote control capabilitieswithin the controlled outlets for a locker such that predetermineddevice types can sync up with the system ports and trigger certainapplications such as announcing compatibility of power conductivity,voltage, socket type etc. Group control functionalities 2622 enablegroups of controlled outlets or lockers to be controlled together forsynchronized functionalities such as broadcasting promotions availablein the vicinity. Many other application features are possible as may bemarketable by virtue of the communications and control capabilitybuilt-in to the controlled outlet and locker.

Referring now to FIG. 27 , there is illustrated an example of atransaction for a user searching for a reservable power outlet. A userlaunches the power outlet app 2302 at step 2702 on their smart phone orother mobile device to enable viewing of several action optionsavailable to the user such as “plan trip”, “browse outlets”, “bookcontrolled outlets”, “book lockers”, etc. The action options areaccessed by selecting a browse outlets link within the app 2302 and asubsequent menu may appear with different outlet categories. The userselects at step 2704 a particular action to be performed through the app2302 such as browse outlets. Responsive to the specific selection theapp 2302 asks for destination and area of coverage at step 2706, thelatter being the size of the area to be viewed in miles, yards or evenin metric units. System 2304 displays at step 2708 the various locationsof power outlets and their characteristics and the number of outletsthat are installed at a location, and if the user had asked to browsecontrol power outlets, the system would prompt the user to reserve theoutlet and offer available time slots at 2709.

The user may browse destination points that they intend to visit duringtheir trip to ensure there are power outlets available during the trip.Once satisfied with the availability of power outlets at the specifiedstopping points, the system will ask for the expected duration to bespent at each stop location specified at step 2710. Responsive to theuser selection, the system will generate a trip plan that lists therecommended sequence of trip stops and the times allotted at each stop.The user can also insert trip stops that may not have outlets and makethose a part of the trip plan and the system will incorporate the tripstops and the expected elapsed time into consideration of the estimatedbattery drain of the user's device. The power outlet manager system 2304will specify where power outlets are available along the trip plan andprovide recommended times for a charging session. The system will askthe user to confirm the recommendation at step 2716 or to make changesat step 2714. If a user's changes are inconsistent with thecharacteristics of the user device and planned usage on the trip, thepower outlet management system 2304 will prompt the user for alternativeselections and/or propose an alternative trip stop. Alternatively, theuser can simply plan a trip by selecting plan trip on an opening screenof their device, and the system will check the availability of poweroutlets at various destination points and generate a trip plan withappropriate trip stop sequences. Upon a user's confirmation of a tripplan at step 2716, the system will prompt the user along the way andinitiate alerts as scheduled power outlet reservation times are imminentin order to display the trip plan summary at step 2718. Should the userdeviate from the trip plan schedule and appear to endanger a device'sbattery life, the system 2304 will prompt for corrective action and maypropose a change of stop sequence to enable alternative booking of poweroutlets. However, the changes may result in booking cancellationpenalties which are charged directly to a user's credit card or bankaccount on file with the system.

Referring now to FIG. 28 , there is illustrated a flow diagramdescribing the process of utilizing a generated trip plan. The user willbegin their trip at step 2802, and the system will prompt the user alongthe way of approaching reservation times at step 2804 as the scheduledpower outlet reservation times become imminent. Should the system detectuser deviations from the trip plan schedule at step 2806 and appear toendanger the battery life of a device, the system will prompt forcorrective action and may propose a change of stop sequences for thetrip at step 2808 to enable an alternative power outlet booking.However, such changes may result in booking cancellation penalties whichare charged directly to a user's credit card or bank account. When auser stops at an appointed reservation time at an appointed power outletat step 2810 they will log into and connect to the power outlet at step2812. Such login may incorporate security protocols such as tokenexchange, entering of a passcode transmitted to the user by the system,or other security protocol exchanges.

In addition to the features disclosed previously, the power outletmanagement system 2304 can also capture and maintain a database ofneighborhood parameters such as the availability of handicap parkingnear the particular power outlets or even the location of handicapaccessible washrooms nearby. This is particularly useful for poweroutlet locations that are co-located in activity venues such asrestaurants, libraries, cinemas or places where people go to enjoycertain stationary activities such as dining, book reading watching amovie, etc. The system may interact with or access other databases toobtain data on area facilities such as medical facilities, post office,specialty stores, etc. The system's database search routines canincorporate filters or other database search techniques to customize auser search for outlets, such that the user can narrow down their outletsearch with Boolean or parameter matching conditions to locate the idealoutlet for their needs.

The architecture of the system is designed to be an open platformenabling the incorporation of third-party apps and system componentssuch as third-party cloud platforms, group meeting and group giftingapps. In addition, the functionalities of the system is an open systemthat can provide the same reservation and charging functionality fordifferent power outlets and other rechargeable devices such as E-bikes,two-wheel balance scooters, Segway devices, electric vehicles or evensmart phones and tablets, and portable respiratory devices depending onthe particular venue or location host. Also, outlet reporters (orregistrars) and providers can register the location of such alternativepower outlets as may be appropriate for particular devices.

The described system applies to numerous types of power or utility otherthan electric outlets as there are other analogous outlets that areprevalent in different forms, such as water taps connected to a watersource/reservoir and such systems resources are conveyed by means ofmovement of the water from a storage tank/reservoir to an outlet in theform of water. The above-described applications and techniques wouldalso be applicable to the provision of other types of resources such ashydrogen fuel.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that this universal automated system for identifying,registering and verifying the existence, location and characteristics ofelectric and other power outlets by random users and for retrieval andutilization of such parametric data and outlets by all users provides amanner for tracking and locating power outlets for electric vehicles,personal mobility electric devices, and other electric and electronicdevices. It should be understood that the drawings and detaileddescription herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than arestrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to theparticular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included areany further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scopehereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended thatthe following claims be interpreted to embrace all such furthermodifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives,design choices, and embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for registering power outlets that maybe used to charge electric and electronic devices, comprising: adatabase for storing subscriber data relating to subscribers registeredwith the system and power outlet data relating to registered poweroutlets that have been located by a reporting entity; a server forproviding a power outlet management system, wherein the server isconfigured to: receive the power outlet data for a power outlet from thereporting entity; register the power outlet with the power outletmanagement system if the power outlet has not previously beenregistered; store the power outlet data for the power outlet in thedatabase; wherein the server is further configured to: receive a searchrequest for a useable power outlet from a subscriber, the search requestincluding location information defining an area of search for theuseable power outlet; locate at least one power outlet within the areaof search that is registered with the power outlet management system;provide a location of the at least one power outlet located within thearea of search to the subscriber; and a network interface for connectingthe server to a network for receiving the power outlet data and thesearch request.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is furtherconfigured to: receive a position and characteristics of the poweroutlet as part of the power outlet data of the power outlet; and storethe position and the characteristics of the power outlet in thedatabase.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is furtherconfigured to: determine a user profile associated with the subscriberproviding the search request; and provide the location of the at leastone power outlet located within the area of search of the subscriber andhaving a power outlet profile matching the determined user profile. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the server is further configured to:receive a request for a reservation of the at least one power outlet;and reserve the at least one power outlet for the subscriber responsiveto the request for reservation.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein theserver is further configured to reserve a locker associated with the atleast one power outlet.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the server isfurther configured to: receive a trip plan request from the subscriber,the trip plan request including a plurality of stopping points thereinbetween a starting point and an ending point; generate a trip planincluding a location of at least one power outlet for charging anelectric or electronic device between the starting point and the endingpoint; provide the trip plan to the subscriber; receive revisions to thetrip plan from the subscriber; revise the trip plan based on subscriberrevisions; and provide a revised trip plan to the subscriber.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of power outletmanagement applications located on user devices for generating the poweroutlet data and the search request provided to the server.
 8. The systemof claim 1 wherein the reporting entity further comprises robot programs(“bots”) that probe various energy grids to automatically identify andregister points of power distribution and dispensation which may embodypower outlets that are accessible.
 9. A method for registering poweroutlets that may be used to charge portable electronic devices,comprising: connecting a server to a network for receiving power outletdata and a search request; storing subscriber data relating tosubscribers registered with a power outlet management system and thepower outlet data relating to registered outlets that have been locatedby a subscriber; receiving the power outlet data for a power outlet fromthe subscriber at the power outlet management system; registering thepower outlet with the power outlet management system if the power outlethas not previously been registered; storing the power outlet data forthe power outlets in a database; receiving the search request for auseable power outlet from the subscriber, the search request includinglocation information defining an area of search for the useable poweroutlet at the power outlet management system; locating at least onepower outlet within the area of search that is registered with the poweroutlet management system; and providing a location of the at least onepower outlet located within the area of search to the subscriber fromthe power outlet management system.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising: receiving a position and characteristics of the power outletas part of the power outlet data of the power outlet; and storing theposition and the characteristics of the power outlet in the database.11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: determining a user profileassociated with the subscriber providing the search request at the poweroutlet management system; and providing the location of the at least onepower outlet located within the area of search of the subscriber andhaving an outlet profile matching the determined user profile.
 12. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising: receiving a request for areservation of the at least one power outlet at the power outletmanagement system; and reserving the at least one power outlet for thesubscriber responsive to the request for reservation at the power outletmanagement system.
 13. The method of claim 9 further comprising thesteps of: receiving a trip plan request from the subscriber at the poweroutlet management system, the trip plan request including a plurality ofstopping points therein between a starting point and an ending point;generating a trip plan including a location of at least one power outletfor charging a portable electronic device between the starting point andthe ending point at the power outlet management system; providing thetrip plan to the subscriber; receiving revisions to the trip plan fromthe subscriber at the power outlet management system; revising the tripplan based on subscriber revisions at the power outlet managementsystem; and providing a revised trip plan to the subscriber.
 14. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising generating the power outlet dataand the search request provided to the server at a plurality of poweroutlet management applications located on user devices.
 15. A system forregistering power outlets that may be used to charge portable electronicdevices, comprising: a plurality of power outlet management applicationslocated on user devices for generating power outlet data and a searchrequest; a database for storing subscriber data relating to subscribersregistered with the system and the power outlet data relating toregistered outlets that have been located by a subscriber; a server forproviding a power outlet management system, wherein the server isconfigured to: receive the power outlet data for a power outlet from apower outlet management application of the subscriber; registering thepower outlet with the power outlet management system if the power outlethas not previously been registered; store the power outlet data for thepower outlets in the database; wherein the server is further configuredto: receive a search request for a useable power outlet from the poweroutlet management application of the subscriber, the search requestincluding location information defining an area of search for theuseable power outlet; locate at least one power outlet within the areaof search that is registered with the power outlet management system;provide a location of the at least one power outlet located within thearea of search to the subscriber; and a network interface for connectingthe server to a network for receiving the power outlet data and thesearch request from the power outlet management application of thesubscriber.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of poweroutlet management applications are further configured to: transmit aposition and characteristics of the power outlet as part of the poweroutlet data of the power outlet; wherein the server is furtherconfigured to: receive the position and the characteristics of the poweroutlet; and store the position and the characteristics of the poweroutlet in the database.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the serveris further configured to: determine a user profile associated with thesubscriber providing the search request; and provide the location of theat least one power outlet located within the area of search of thesubscriber and having an outlet profile matching the determined userprofile.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the power outlet managementapplications are further configured to: transmit a request for areservation of the at least one power outlet; wherein the server isfurther configured to: receive the request for the reservation of the atleast one power outlet; and reserve the at least one power outlet forthe subscriber responsive to the request for the reservation.
 19. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the server is further configured to reservea locker associated with the at least one power outlet.
 20. The systemof claim 15, wherein the power outlet management applications arefurther configured to: transmit a trip plan request for a reservation ofthe at least one power outlet; wherein the server is further configuredto receive the trip plan request from the subscriber, the trip planrequest including a plurality of stopping points therein between astarting point and an ending point; generate a trip plan including alocation of at least one power outlet for charging a portable electronicdevice between the starting point and the ending point; provide the tripplan to the subscriber; wherein the power outlet management applicationsare further configured to receive revisions to the trip plan from thesubscriber; receive the trip plan; generated revision requests to thetrip plan; provide subscriber revisions to the trip plan; wherein theserver is further configured to: receive the subscriber revisions to thetrip plan; revise the trip plan based on the subscriber revisions; andprovide a revised trip plan to the subscriber.